Budget-friendly version of the BYD Yuan Up rolls out, stripped of advanced autonomous driving features
In a move to broaden market appeal and offer a lower-cost model, BYD has announced the introduction of a new variant of the Yuan Up electric SUV, priced at RMB 74,800 ($10,400). This price represents a 25% reduction compared to the previous entry-level variant, making it more accessible to budget-conscious consumers [1][2].
The new Yuan Up variant, however, does not feature BYD's God's Eye C smart driving system, which is standard in the other three variants of the Yuan Up. Instead, it is equipped with a 32-kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 301 kilometers (down from 401 km) [1].
This decision contrasts with BYD's earlier "Intelligent Driving for All" strategy, launched in early 2025, which aimed to democratize advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) by integrating them as standard features across all models. However, the new Yuan Up variant without smart driving suggests BYD is balancing its aspirations for widespread intelligent driving technology with the practical need to compete on price and attract customers in segments less sensitive to advanced driving aids [3].
Market conditions, such as slowing domestic growth, inventory buildup, and fierce price competition in the Chinese EV market, also influence this decision. BYD is diversifying its offerings, with some models emphasizing smart driving and tech features, and others focusing on affordability and basic functionality [4].
The Yuan family, which contributes 8.90% of BYD Group's sales during the same period, has already been launched in multiple overseas markets under the name Atto 2, including Europe and Malaysia [5]. As of now, the Yuan family has sold a total of 1.5 million units, with 191,011 units sold in the first half of 2024, up 11.96% year-on-year [6].
However, the Yuan family has seen significant sales declines over the past two months, with the Yuan Plus Smart Driving Edition and Yuan Plus Honor Edition experiencing a drop in sales [7]. BYD increased its bet on intelligent driving capabilities earlier this year by launching 21 models equipped with driver assist systems on February 10 [8].
BYD chairman and president Wang Chuanfu stated that advanced smart driving capabilities would become as essential a vehicle feature as seat belts and airbags in the next two to three years [3]. The company also recently announced L4 smart parking, promising to take responsibility for any losses incurred in China [9].
In summary, the Yuan Up's more affordable, non-smart driving variant represents BYD's strategy to expand its customer base through lower entry prices and simpler configurations while maintaining its premium, tech-rich lineup in other models [1][4]. The new Yuan Up was first launched on March 26, 2024.
References: 1. BYD introduces affordable Yuan Up variant 2. BYD Yuan Up: Price, Specs, and Review 3. BYD's Intelligent Driving for All strategy 4. BYD's strategic shift in the Chinese EV market 5. Yuan Up sold in multiple overseas markets as Atto 2 6. Yuan family sales figures 7. Sales declines in the Yuan family 8. BYD launches 21 models with driver assist systems 9. BYD announces L4 smart parking
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